BFOR vs QQQ
Barron'S 400 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BFOR offers more diversification with 383 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFOR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $233M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.08% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.14% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.25% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BFOR vs QQQ Performance
Barron'S 400 ETF (BFOR) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BFOR returned +24.14% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, BFOR is up 18.08% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, BFOR compounded at +19.25% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +11.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 17.6% for BFOR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -42.2% for BFOR and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFOR charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFOR currently yields 0.68% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BFOR and QQQ share 41 holdings out of 445 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFOR or QQQ?
BFOR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFOR or QQQ?
Over the past year BFOR returned +24.14% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BFOR annualized +11.37% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFOR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for BFOR. Worst drawdown: BFOR -42.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BFOR and QQQ?
BFOR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFOR and QQQ?
BFOR and QQQ share 41 common holdings with a 10.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 445 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFOR or QQQ?
BFOR yields 0.68% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BFOR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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